Helix V EIGHTEEN DSP - 18 channel

HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP - connectivity that exceeds all expectations
Whether it's an upgrade for a multi-channel premium sound system or even the redesign of an extensive system configuration, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is the all-in-one tool for anyone with ambitious sound system plans who just can't get enough. This all-purpose weapon sets new standards for upgrading and implementing highly complex audio systems.

Multifunction and intelligent adaptation for a breathtaking sound experience
The 18-channel amplifier combines exceptional sound quality and high performance according to the Pure Class GD concept, creating an impressive musical experience even for the most demanding requirements. In addition, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP also has 18 high-level inputs with up to 32 V RMS input sensitivity, which enables 1:1 input-to-output routing. The V EIGHTEEN DSP with its extensive adaptation options is the ideal problem solver, especially when replacing existing components is an obstacle and the only option is to add an amplifier.® The management of the incredible twenty (20!) separate DSP channels is handled by two extremely powerful "fixed point" audio DSPs with 64-bit resolution in conjunction with our unique DSP PC tool.

Our Smart Control Port (SCP) facilitates the connection of accessories and offers a compact and secure plug connection as well as an integrated power supply for remote controls such as the CONDUCTOR or DIRECTOR.


Virtual Channel Processing - Modern signal routing
The adaptation to modern factory sound systems makes increasingly complex signal routing in the amplifier unavoidable due to the growing number of signal inputs. Especially when several input signals are mixed together and then split into multi-way systems, conventional routing concepts quickly reach their limits. Audiotec Fischer's multi-stage "Virtual Channel Processing", in conjunction with the award-winning DSP PC-Tool software, enables even highly complex system configurations to be easily mapped and proprietary FX sound features such as "RealCenter" or "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" to be freely assigned.


Rapid computing power - thanks to ACO
The HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is of course also equipped with the proprietary 32-bit ACO platform. This not only handles all control tasks ultra-fast, but above all a whole bundle of audio functions: Fantastic sound effects such as Augmented Bass Processing or RealCenter are implemented as well as an 18-channel Input EQ including Input Signal Analyzer (ISA) for easy analysis and compensation of input signals from OE radios, which already include a sound setup ex works.


DSPPC-Tool 5 feat. TuneEQ - Powerful features for ultimate sound experiences
Of course, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP can be configured via our professional and at the same time exceptionally intuitive DSP PC-Tool 5. The familiar, numerous setting options leave nothing to be desired and guarantee extremely precise sound adjustment even for complex system configurations. And thanks to the new, proprietary TuneEQ function for automated frequency response correction, you also save a lot of time when tuning the sound.


Perfect sound without compromise
The sound performance of the new HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is as impressive as its range of functions. The highly efficient Class GD technology and the most advanced AD and DA converters from BurrBrown ensure optimum sound performance, the best possible signal-to-noise ratio and minimal distortion.Despite its extremely high flexibility and very compact design, the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP is an absolute sound masterpiece and in no way has to hide from the absolute top class.

Features

✓ 20 DSP channels for maximum flexibility for multi-channel sound upgrades
✓ 18-channel amplifier with Pure Class GD concept, which combines exceptional sound quality with high performance
✓ High-power 18-channel high-level input with up to 32 V RMS ✓ Input sensitivity and ADEP.3Circuit
✓ 1:1 IOR (Input-to-Output Routing) - same number of high-level inputs and amplifier channelsinputs and amplifier channels
✓ Up to 160 W RMS maximum power per channel on 2 Ω
✓ TwinDSP Power - two extremely powerful "fixed point" audio DSPs with 64 bit resolution
✓ VCP (Virtual Channel Processing) enables highly complex sound systems to be configured even more flexibly
✓ ACO - Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor platform for system and DSP features:
- ISA (Input Signal Analyzer) and InputEQ for easy analysis and compensation of input signals
- SFX sound effects - Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander, RealCenter & Co.
- 10 internal memory locations for sound setups
✓ Compact, future-proof SCP (Smart Control Port) for connecting remote controls and other accessories
✓ HEC slot for system extensions such as Bluetooth® HD Audio Streaming, High Resolution Audio Streaming via USB etc.
✓ Optical digital input in SPDIF format and two processed signal outputs
✓ Start-stop-capable power supply unit with extended input voltage range up to 18 V - ideal for modern electric vehicles
✓ Automatic remote switch
✓ Extremely compact dimensions and low heat generation thanks to very high efficiency

Special features:

Pure Class GD amplifier technology
The Pure Class GD concept combines the advantages of Class G technology with the principle of a Class D amplifier. This results in an unusually high level of efficiency that even surpasses conventional Class D amplifiers. The Pure Class GD concept shows its advantages at low and medium levels by varying the internal supply voltage of the power stages depending on the amplitude of the input signal. In addition, the entire analog signal path of this amplifier is completely symmetrical, which benefits both distortion factor and signal-to-noise ratio.

TwinDSP Power
The V EIGHTEEN DSP houses two of Analog Devices' most powerful 64-bit audio DSPs with an extreme total computing power of 2.4 billion MAC operations per second.
The TwinDSP power concept makes the 20 separately processable channels and the multitude of new sound features possible in the first place.

ACO- Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor
The HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP amplifier uses a particularly powerful 32 Bit CoProcessor of the latest generation for all internal and external control and communication tasks. In contrast to the previously used 8-bit processor, this results in significant speed advantages not only when switching between different sound setups, but above all in data communication with our DSP PC-Tool software. Another significant advantage is the integrated, native bootloader of the CoProcessor.
This enables software upgrades of all components of the integrated DSP, for example to prepare the microcontroller-controlled ADEP.3-circuit to adapt to future changes in the diagnostic systems of factory radios or to expand the device with additional interfaces.
In addition, thanks to the new flash memory, the ACO offers space for 10 sound setups instead of the usual two.

Intelligent ADEP.3 high-level input
Modern, factory-installed car radios are becoming increasingly intelligent with regard to the diagnosis of the connected speakers. The latest generation in particular is equipped with additional monitoring functions so that error messages or even malfunctions can occur if an additional amplifier is connected. The new ADEP.3 circuit (Advanced Diagnostics Error Protection Generation 3) prevents these problems without unnecessarily loading the speaker outputs of the radio at high levels.

Power Save mode
The Power Save mode is activated in the basic settings of the DSP PC-Tool software. It allows the power consumption of the V EIGHTEEN DSP (and any additional amplifiers connected) to be drastically reduced if no input signal is present for longer than 60 seconds. As soon as the "Power Save Mode" is active, the internal amplifier stages of the V EIGHTEEN DSP and the remote output are switched off, thus significantly reducing the power consumption. The amplifier returns to normal operating mode within 2 seconds as soon as a music signal is applied to its input. The switch-off delay can be varied or completely deactivated using the DSP PC-Tool software.

Start-stop capability
The power supply unit in the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP amplifier ensures the internal power supply even in the event of short-term dips down to 6 volts. This ensures that the HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP remains fully functional even when the engine is started.

DSP features

TuneEQ
TuneEQ is an extremely flexible and particularly easy-to-use function for automated frequency response correction. A single measurement per respective audio channel or channel pair with a suitable measuring microphone (such as our MTK1) is sufficient for TuneEQ to adjust the equalizers independently and precisely to the desired reference curve. TuneEQ uses the entire range of functions of the parametric equalizer, including the center frequency, the Q factor and the gain. And because the highly complex computing operations required for this run in the background, you also save a lot of time when tuning the sound with TuneEQ.

RealCenter
The "RealCenter" function is a proprietary algorithm from Audiotec Fischer that emphasizes the monaural information of the left and right front channels to create a unique center signal. In contrast to conventional methods, where only the channels are summed up, the center signal is also dynamically controlled by the stereophonic information content of the left and right channels. This means that the center channel does not reproduce a signal if only the left or only the right channel delivers an audio signal. With conventional algorithms, the center channel would only be 6 dB quieter in this case. Audiotec Fischer's "RealCenter" therefore enables a unique, wide-ranging soundstage - and this is optimal for both driver and front passenger! The disadvantages of a conventional center channel, such as an intrusive, narrow spatial sound presentation, are finally a thing of the past.

Augmented Bass Processing
Audiotec Fischer's proprietary "Augmented Bass Processing", consisting of two revolutionary sound features: "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" and "SubXpander". These have been specially developed to dramatically improve the bass reproduction of subwoofers.

"Dynamic Bass Enhancement" ingeniously combines maximum low bass foundation and high maximum sound pressure - regardless of the type of music being played or the sound settings on the radio. Depending on the input signal, "Dynamic Bass Enhancement" boosts the lower frequency range on the one hand and varies the cut-off frequency of the subsonic filter on the other. The result is a much more powerful, deeper bass reproduction at low and medium volumes without running the risk of mechanically or electrically overloading the subwoofer at high volumes. The bass performance that is suddenly possible is simply fascinating.

If you want the bass range to be even deeper and "blacker", you can also activate the "SubXpander". This adds subharmonic tones to the fundamental tones in the frequency range between 50 and 100 Hz.

Technical data

✓ Scope of delivery

1 x HELIX V EIGHTEEN DSP amplifier
4 x speaker connection cables
1 x USB data cable
2 x Allen keys
1 x mounting material
1 x operating instructions

Operating instructions
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DSP Tool Center
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Shipping countries:
✓ Germany
✓ Austria
✓ France